But in an exclusive statement to The Sun, the 42-year-old announced he will be off until at least 2019 - also ruling himself out of next year’s series of Takeaway because pre-production work would need to begin imminently.

He said: “My recovery is going very well and for that to continue having spoken to Dec and ITV, I have made the decision to take the rest of the year off.

“I’d like to thank both Dec and ITV for their continued support and I look forward to getting back to work in the new year.”

Best pal Dec, also 42, will still head to Australia to front I’m A Celebrity without his partner for the first time.

Dec explained: “Whilst I am obviously sad at the thought of being without my best friend in Australia this year, I am proud of the work Ant has been doing privately and I am fully supportive of his decision.

“I’m looking forward to us both being reunited on screen in 2019.”

As a result the duo and ITV have agreed Saturday Night Takeaway, one of the broadcaster’s most popular shows, will now not return to screens until February 2020.

Dec has made the choice in order to continue his recovery and will return to screens in 2020

Confirming the news, the presenters insisted they did not want to compromise the quality of the show and therefore felt it was better to rest the series next year - promising it would come back bigger and better than ever.

A source explained: “Takeaway airs in February, but many viewers may not realise that the filming for the sketches and the preparation begins six months earlier - which is too soon for Ant.

“Sadly that means they have had to tell the production team today that they’re going to have to push the next run back until the following year.

“It’s a show they’re hugely passionate about personally and they’re extremely close to the team involved too - but everyone understands that this is a decision which hasn’t been taken lightly and are supportive. They all wish him the very best.”